date

/DAH-tay/

give yourself

A happy person relaxing in a colorful hammock strung between two trees, symbolizing taking a break or giving oneself a reward.

The imperative 'date' (give yourself) is often used to command someone to perform an action for their own benefit, like giving yourself a rest.

date(Verb Contraction (Imperative))

A1irregular (based on dar) ar

give yourself

Used to command someone (informally) to perform an action for their own benefit.

Also:

let yourself have

Used when granting permission or a treat.

📝 In Action

Date un momento para respirar profundo antes de la reunión.

Give yourself a moment to breathe deeply before the meeting.

Date el gusto de comprar ese postre tan delicioso.

Let yourself have the pleasure of buying that delicious dessert (Treat yourself).

Word Connections

Synonyms

permítete (allow yourself)
otórgate (grant yourself)

Common Collocations

date tiempo – give yourself time
date una oportunidad – give yourself a chance

💡 Grammar Points

A Command + Pronoun

This word is a command for the 'tú' (informal you). It's formed by taking the verb command 'Da' and attaching the pronoun 'te' (to you). The accent mark tells you where to stress the word when you say it.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Don't Forget the Accent

Mistake: "Using 'date' instead of 'date'."

Correction: Always write it with the accent mark over the 'a' (*date*) to maintain the correct stress on the first syllable.

⭐ Usage Tips

Use with Reflexive Verbs

You will mostly hear 'date' when the full verb is reflexive (like darse un gusto — to give oneself a treat). It is a highly common pattern in Spanish commands.

A simplistic illustration of a character running extremely quickly across a path, kicking up dust and showing strong motion lines.

When used exclusively in the phrase 'Date prisa,' the word 'date' forms the command meaning 'Hurry up!'

date(Idiomatic Command)

Hurry up!

Used exclusively in the phrase 'Date prisa'.

Also:

Realize / Take note

Used exclusively in the phrase 'Date cuenta'.

📝 In Action

¡Date prisa! El autobús sale en cinco minutos.

Hurry up! The bus leaves in five minutes.

Date cuenta de que sin ayuda, esto será imposible.

Realize that without help, this will be impossible.

Word Connections

Synonyms

apúrate (hurry up)
fíjate (notice)

Common Collocations

date por vencido – give up (on yourself)
date a conocer – make yourself known

Idioms & Expressions

Date prisa – To rush or move quickly
Date cuenta – To realize or recognize a fact

💡 Grammar Points

Fixed Phrases

The phrase 'date prisa' is always used together. Think of it as a single unit meaning 'hurry up,' similar to how English uses 'stand up' or 'wake up.'

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'Date' Alone for Commands

Mistake: "Saying '¡Date!' when you want someone to give you something."

Correction: If you want someone to hand you an object, you must use the verb *Dame* ('Give me'). *Date* always relates the action back to the person you are speaking to.

⭐ Usage Tips

Imperative Tone

'Date prisa' can sound urgent or demanding. If you need to be politer, ask: '¿Puedes darte prisa?' (Can you hurry up?).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: date

Question 1 of 2

Which of these phrases correctly means 'Hurry up!'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

dar(to give) - verb

darse(to give oneself / to occur) - verb

dádiva(gift / present) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does 'date' have an accent mark?

The accent mark is necessary because when a single-syllable verb like *da* (command) is combined with a pronoun (*te*), the resulting word has two syllables. The stress naturally falls on the first syllable ('DAH-tay'), and the accent mark ensures it keeps the original strong stress of the verb *da*.

If I am speaking formally to someone (usted), what is the correct command to use instead of 'date'?

You would use *Dese* (Dé + se). For example, 'Dese prisa' (Hurry up, formal) or 'Dese cuenta' (Realize, formal).